Pipeline Safety Oversight and Compliance Services

Client Challenge

A pipeline company, undergoing expansion and improvement of its system, was installing a new 35-mile length of terminal feeder pipeline. The client became concerned about their construction contractors’ commitment to the use of behavior-based safety tools when several construction safety issues arose, and determined to take proactive steps before a more significant incident occurred.

GES Solution

GES, with its in-depth knowledge of the LPS behavior-based management system, was asked to step in and provide on-the-ground observation and evaluation of contractor practices. GES observers noted that on-site workers were not consistently performing a critical risk-reduction activity, namely the safe performance self-assessment (SPSA). The SPSA represents a mind-set of constant job awareness and critical thinking regarding the risks posed by the job at hand and taking protective actions before any injuries occur. In addition, site supervisors and staff were not always completing a site-specific job safety analysis (JSA) for each work activity, thus eliminating a critical pre-work planning and job understanding step. To ensure the proper use of LPS tools and the protection of all workers, GES field staff completed daily on-site inspections and coached all workers on safe behavior. With GES’ involvement, small incidents – which could lead to significant injuries – were eliminated, and the contractors began to proactively utilize the LPS program with the recognition of its value.

GES provided additional permitting and compliance consulting services to expedite project progress and reduce future liabilities. This included permit applications, discharge plans, and spill plans to obtain new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, and waste management related to horizontal directional drilling (HDD) drilling fluids and disposal of soils. In addition, when impacted soil was discovered along the existing pipeline easement, GES responded to ensure that environmental impacts were mitigated and the right-of-way remained compliant. Consulting services also included completion of aboveground storage tank (AST) confined-space entry work and geotechnical soil borings to evaluate the AST clay berm.

Client Value

GES assisted the client in achieving compliance and helped it to achieve its overriding goal – no one gets hurt. The efforts significantly reduced hand and eye injuries during remaining construction activities. Our consulting efforts with the construction contractor facilitated the implementation of a more effective root-cause analysis process.